Current Reports

Affordable Housing Trends Report 2026

Arbor Realty Trust’s Affordable Housing Trends Report, developed in partnership with Chandan Economics, explores a year marked by one of the most significant policy shifts in decades, with consequential developments in both the marketplace and the political arena. Our annual report finds that although affordability continues to present challenges, this year’s new initiatives are set to rebuild tomorrow’s pipeline.

Articles

HUD Expands FHA Financing Eligibility to Qualifying BTR Projects

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently announced a significant policy change that expands Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance eligibility to qualifying build-to-rent (BTR) communities. Effective immediately, professionally managed rental developments consisting of detached single-family homes, duplexes, and triplexes are eligible for FHA-insured financing under the same general framework as traditional multifamily properties.

Articles

Financing a Build-to-Rent Community Through Construction, Lease-Up, and Stabilization

Single-family rentals (SFR) now house 41% of the U.S. renter population, according to Rentometer Mid-Year Report 2025: National Trends in Single-Family Rental Markets. Arbor provides investors with short-term and long-term SFR financing to meet this growing demand. Whether a sponsor is developing a build-to-rent (BTR) community, holding an SFR portfolio long-term, or acquiring assets to rehab, Arbor finances build-to-rent (BTR) communities across construction, lease-up, and stabilization under one lender relationship, backed by the strength of an $802 million BTR collateralized loan obligation Arbor closed in May 2025.

Articles

Why Top Multifamily Lenders Practice Disciplined Underwriting

Every multifamily lender says it underwrites conservatively, but few follow a truly disciplined approach. Arbor Realty Trust’s own record is a case in point, with 19 consecutive years in the Top 10 Fannie Mae Multifamily DUS Lenders, a top-three ranking in Freddie Mac’s Conventional Small program, and an upgraded Commercial Special Servicer rating from Fitch Ratings in January 2026.

Investment

Special Report Fall 2026

Arbor Realty Trust’s Special Report Fall 2026, developed in partnership with Chandan Economics, leverages data-driven research to detail the state of the rental housing market. Amid headwinds, multifamily remained resilient in a selective investment environment favoring disciplined underwriting and market selection. Attractive entry points for well-positioned investors continue to populate the road ahead.

Analysis

U.S. Multifamily Market Snapshot — September 2026

The U.S. multifamily market remains on stable footing in a mixed macroeconomic climate. Rent growth continued to trend upward through the second quarter, while apartment fundamentals remained resilient amid slowing employment growth and elevated vacancies.

General: 800.ARBOR.10

Home | Success Stories | Townhome-Style Apartment Community: $16.5M Fannie Mae DUS® Standard Loan with Green Financing

Arbor 360º

Success Story: Townhome-Style
Apartment Community

A panoramic view of how Arbor grows financial partnerships through successful

product executions that deliver results for our clients

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Townhome-Style Apartment Community: $16.5M Fannie Mae DUS® Standard

153

Units

CA

Santa Barbara County

1960

Year Built

Situation

The borrower was interested in refinancing a vintage townhome-style apartment community in Santa Barbara County, California, to improve cash flow for their growing portfolio. With interest rates rising, the borrower was in search of cost savings during the refinancing of a loan. The environmentally conscious borrower, who already intended to make improvements to their properties, was interested in exploring how going green could result in short- and long-term savings.

Arbor Action

Through a focus on developing client relationships, Arbor keenly understood the borrower’s objectives to cut down costs and protect the environment. Arbor was able to fulfill both goals in one transaction. First, Arbor utilized the Fannie Mae Green Financing® program to lower the borrower’s interest rate and increase net operating income. Then, Arbor closely monitored trends in U.S. Treasurys and moved quickly to lock in the best possible rate at the time.

Result

Fannie Mae’s Green Financing program enabled the borrower to save money on interest by committing to make enhancements to the property that improve energy efficiency by 30% within 12 months of closing. By enrolling in this program, they will save a significant amount of money due to locking in at a lower interest rate and the longer interest-only period of the loan. Ultimately, Arbor’s borrower received a better rate at a higher loan amount and will likely achieve a high net operating income over the life of the loan.

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